Upcoming Alfa Romeo SUV to be Named Stelvio

Company Aiming for 2017 Model Release

According to Auto Express, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles boss Sergio Marchionne confirmed the name, which takes inspiration from the legendarily twisty Stelvio Pass, a curvy road that winds its way through Italy and Austria along the Swiss border. The name and Alfa Romeo’s reputation suggest the SUV will likely be optimized for swift, agile grand touring, rather than off-roading or towing horse trailers.

Alfa’s SUV is to be based on the company’s all-new Giorgio platform, the architecture developed for the company’s Giulia sedan. (Pictured here is the unrelated Alfa Romeo Kamal concept of 2003.) A range of I-4 and V-6 engines fit within the platform, and it’s fair to expect both entry-level and high-performance variants of the Stelvio. The latter could come via the Giulia Quadrifoglio’s 510hp twin-turbocharged 2.9L V-6, but other Stelvios could use a VM Motori 3.0L diesel V-6, as well as a 2.0L gas I-4 producing anywhere between 200 and 300 hp.

If the prices of the Giulia sedan are any indicator, expect the Stelvio should start around $45,000 and top out at $80,000. That pricing puts it squarely in the crosshairs of the Porsche Macan S and BMW X4 at the bottom, with the Macan Turbo and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT among prime competition at the top.

At the low end, it’s hard to imagine a 200hp Stelvio stealing sales from any of the current luxury SUVs, but if priced appropriately, a 510hp Stelvio Quadrifoglio could be a winning competitor. The Stelvio will be sized like the BMW X3/X4 and come in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Expect the Stelvio to hit the European market early in 2017, with American sales following within a year. It will be produced in Italy.